Escorted group tour from Brisbane to Southern Highlands return

itinerary

DAY 1. Saturday 22 December – Brisbane to South West Rocks (MT,L,D)

Departing Brisbane on our luxury ‘Gold Class’ coach we travel south along the Pacific Highway crossing the Tweed River into New South Wales, breaking at Kingscliff for morning tea. Continuing south, we travel through the picturesque Northern Rivers to the pioneering district of New Italy, an area settled by Italian immigrants in the early 1880s. After lunch we continue, skirting Grafton and on to Coffs Harbour for a break. Our last leg takes us to the seaside town of South West Rocks for our first night. 1 Night Stay: Rockpool Motor Inn, South West Rocks

DAY 2. Sunday 23 December – South West Rocks to Newcastle (B,MT,L,D)

We board the coach after breakfast and head south to Port Macquarie before taking the coastal road through Lake Cathie to break in Laurieton for morning tea. Re-connecting with the highway at Kew we make tracks to arrive in the busy port of Newcastle for lunch. Later we board Newcastle’s Famous Tram. Built from scratch in 1994, the tram is a genuine replica of the original Newcastle working tram, which was in service in 1923. Our tour is a unique and nostalgic way to explore the city, its beautiful beaches and historical sites. Our hotel for the night is enviably positioned on the iconic Honeysuckle harbourfront, a welcoming and connected hub in the midst of the foreshore. 1 Night Stay: Rydges, Newcastle

DAY 3. Monday 24 December – Newcastle to Bowral (B,L,D)

This morning we have a leisurely start to the day so perhaps enjoy a stroll along the harbour and watch the busy Port of Newcastle float by. We then travel the coastal road skirting Lake Macquarie on our way to The Entrance for lunch. Later we travel via the western suburbs of Sydney, before continuing on through Mittagong and Bowral and arriving at our accommodation nestled in Sutton Forest. 4 Night Stay: Gibraltar Hotel, Bowral

DAY 4. Tuesday 25 December – Merry Christmas! (B,L,D)

Merry Christmas! After a festive breakfast together, we take a morning scenic drive overlooking the tranquil Kangaroo Valley. On arrival, we take a short walk to explore the lush escarpment country and see the magnificent Fitzroy Falls, where water plunges over 80 metres to the valley below. We return to our hotel to get ready for a Gala Christmas Day celebration and festive feast. We dine in style and enjoy a long lunch together capturing the spirit of Christmas. We are in no rush today enjoying every moment of this special day savouring the delights of the freshest seafood and traditional fare. Enjoy a free afternoon, maybe take a dip in the resort pool or take a nap before we re-group for a light dinner tonight. GGP

DAY 5. Wednesday 26 December – Boxing Day Cruise on Sydney Harbour (B,L,D)

Join in the thrill today as all of Sydney and its visitors comes out to witness an Australian iconic event, the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race! Be part of the Sydney Harbour Boxing Day yacht race celebrations and feel the spirit of the Harbour as the race starts. Enjoy a special 2.5 hour lunch cruise with canapes and food stations, along with a beverage service for the duration of the cruise. There will be radio commentary of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race and spectacular photo opportunities from the outer decks to see the majestic maxi yachts in action. **Restrictions are in place regarding proximity to the start of the race. GGP

DAY 6. Thursday 27 December – Illawarra Coast, Kiama, Bowral (B,L,D)

We board the coach this morning for a scenic tour of the picturesque Illawarra Coast. We descend from the highlands travelling through Kangaroo Valley towards Nowra. We pass through the historic country town of Berry and on to the seaside town of Kiama. A chance to do some last-minute Christmas or souvenir shopping, and of course a chance to see the famous Kiama Blowhole (seasonal conditions apply). We continue north along the Illawarra Coast to the magnificent structure in the Sea Cliff Bridge. This 665 metre bridge is a highlight along the Grand Pacific Drive. We then travel up the escarpment and make our way to the crest of Bulli Tops for a photo opportunity overlooking the Illawarra coastline. We travel down the famous Bulli Pass on our return to Gibraltar Hotel. GGP

DAY 7. Friday 28 December – Bowral to Blue Mountains and Mudgee (B,MT,L,D)

We leave the Southern Highlands travelling north along the Hume Highway to make our way to the Blue Mountains, breaking for a cuppa at the Three Sisters lookout, Katoomba. After our break, we descend the Blue Mountains via Victoria Pass, travelling through Lithgow and on to Bathurst for lunch at Abercrombie House. After a tour of this magnificent gothic house, we take the scenic drive through the gold mining town of Sofala, finishing our day at Mudgee. 1 Night Stay: Parklands Resort, Mudgee

DAY 8. Saturday 29 December – Mudgee to Armidale (B,MT,L,D)

Departing Mudgee, we make our way to Scone, breaking here for a cuppa. We continue on to Nundle where we visit The DAG Sheep Station. Set on 70 acres in the ‘Hills of Gold’, it is originally part of Wombramurra Station. The DAG still retains the station’s original historic wool shed, shearers’ quarters, and mess hall. We enjoy country style cooking and hospitality before travelling via Uralla to Armidale. 1 Night Stay: Cotswold Gardens, Armidale. **Please note: Twin share configuration is queen bed and commercial sofa bed.

DAY 9. Sunday 30 December – Armidale to Brisbane (B,MT,L)

Leaving Armidale, we travel the New England Highway passing through Glenn Innes and on to Tenterfield for a cuppa. After our break, we cross the border at Wallangarra and on to Ballandean Estate for a tour and taste before lunch in the Barrelroom Restaurant. Our afternoon takes us homeward bound, returning to Brisbane Transit Centre at approximately 4:30pm.

dates & pricing

Select the GGP option on this tour and help reduce extra pressures on our natural environment. You will be rewarded with a reduced rate on your tour.SAVE: $30PP TWINSHARE OR $60 SOLEUSE

Non-refundable deposit of $600pp required to secure your reservation.

N.B. This package is subject to a fuel levy without notice for coach component.

FITNESSLEVEL – A RATING OF 2 (MODERATE) Passengers must be able to:-
• Participate in walking tours with time to rest at least every 10 minutes
• Walk on areas such as bush tracks and soft sand – mostly level ground
• Stand for 15 minutes, without needing to sit down
• Tackle a flight of stairs or incline
• Getting on and off transportation multiple times unaided
• Manage your own luggage